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Hidden structure found in essential metabolic machinery

Researchers have discovered hidden subcompartments within peroxisomes, long thought to be simple granular matrices. These subcompartments may play a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty molecules and could hold key to understanding diseases like obesity and neurodegeneration.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How plants ensure regular seed spacing

Researchers have identified a uniform genetic mechanism controlling seed position in plant pods, regardless of environmental factors. The study found that a specific peptide pair coordinates ovule initiation patterns with seed number and fruit size, leading to even spacing and optimal growth.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 11, 2020

Success in promoting plant growth for biodiesel

Researchers successfully promoted plant growth and increased seed yield by expressing high-speed-type myosin XI from Arabidopsis in Camelina sativa, a promising plant for biodiesel. This technology is expected to increase productivity per area unit and has potential applications in other plant species.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateAug 7, 2020

Research in land plants shows nanoplastics accumulating in tissues

Research finds nanoplastics can accumulate in plants, depending on surface charge, impacting ecological effects and agricultural sustainability. Plant growth is reduced, with positively charged particles causing more harm than negatively charged ones, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 22, 2020

Small see-through container improves plant micrografting

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a micrografting device to facilitate the grafting of embryonic shoots onto tiny stalks, achieving a 48-88% success rate. The device shows potential for facilitating research into plant signalling and has been applied in tomato grafting.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJun 4, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A molecular map for the plant sciences

A comprehensive map of the proteome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been created, detailing the presence, location, and quantity of approximately 18,000 proteins in the plant. This study provides new insights into plant biology and offers potential avenues for improving crop yields and disease resistance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2020

Putting a finger on plant stress response

A zinc finger domain in Arabidopsis protein SIZ1 is essential for transcriptional regulation of genes required for abiotic stress responses, including cold, salt, and drought stresses. The domain's absence leads to impaired SIZ1 function, stunted plant growth, and increased sensitivity to stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 5, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists crack the code to improve stress tolerance in plants

Researchers have discovered a novel epigenetic regulation mechanism that improves DNA damage response in plants, enabling them to withstand environmental stresses. The study reveals the role of histone demethylase LDL1 in suppressing RAD54's interaction with chromatin at damaged sites.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateAug 1, 2019

Improving plant photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers discovered that prolonging phototropin photocycle enhances light sensitivity of chloroplast movement and leaf positioning in Arabidopsis thaliana, leading to increased biomass under low-light conditions. This finding suggests a strategy for improving photosynthetic efficiency and crop yields.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Scientists identify how plants sense temperature

Researchers have discovered a genetic mechanism used by all plants to sense temperature during the day, using the model plant Arabidopsis. The study reveals that phytochrome B plays a key role in this process, and identifies a transcription activator called HEMERA as the master control for temperature sensing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2019

Burst of morning gene activity tells plants when to flower

A team of researchers discovered that flowering plants exhibit a morning peak of gene activity, contrary to the previously established evening peak theory. The study, conducted in natural environments, suggests that artificial growing conditions used in labs may have influenced earlier findings.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 24, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Scientists create 'Evolutionwatch' for plants

Researchers used historic and modern plant genomes to measure the rate of evolution in a wild plant. They found that Arabidopsis had been introduced to North America by Europeans around 1600, with new mutations appearing over the past 400 years. These findings provide insights into the genetic paradox of invasion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 21, 2018

Plant defense following the iron-maiden principle

Scientists at Bonn University have found that plants use minute spines of extremely hard calcium phosphate to defend against herbivorous insects, such as aphids. This unique biomineral is widespread in plant species and can deter many types of insects from damaging the plants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPlanta·DateDec 20, 2017

Rolling dice for cell size specification in plant leaf epidermis

A team of researchers found that endoreduplication, a process promoting cellular enlargement, occurs randomly and contributes to cell size variation. The study's mathematical model successfully reproduced experimental dynamics, revealing exponential boosting as the mechanism behind cell size determination.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 20, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Vinegar: A cheap and simple way to help plants fight drought

Researchers discovered a biological pathway that allows plants to produce acetate when water is scarce, increasing drought tolerance. Vinegar treatment increased plant survival rates by over 70% in various crops, offering a promising, non-genetically modified solution.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 26, 2017

NUS study: Plants sacrifice 'daughters' to survive chilly weather

A NUS study found that plants selectively kill part of their roots to withstand cold weather conditions, allowing them to recover faster when temperatures rise. This discovery could lead to novel strategies to improve crop growth and yield under environmental stress.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCell·DateJun 23, 2017

New mechanisms uncovered explaining frost tolerance in plants

Researchers at TUM found that brassinosteroids increase plant resistance to frost by regulating a protein called CESTA, which influences gene expression and fatty acid composition. This discovery may provide solutions to climate-related agricultural problems.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2016

Flower bud uniformity beholden to time and space

Researchers found that cells growing at different rates and directions average out over time, creating uniform flowers on plants. The study identifies a gene, FtsH4, that affects reactive oxygen species accumulation, which stiffens cell walls and regulates growth.

SourceCornell University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 22, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New study uses computer learning to provide quality control for genetic databases

A new study uses computer learning to create a standardized atlas that can automatically annotate samples, including lost metadata such as tissue type. By combining data from over 7,000 samples and 200 labs, the work represents a way to leverage publically available 'omics data while improving quality control.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJul 19, 2016

Science Bulletin published Special Topic on 'plant development and reproduction'

Research on plant development, including cell division, differentiation, and organ formation, reveals new insights into the biosynthesis of auxins and the molecular control of stem cells. Key findings also shed light on the hormonal and transcriptional control of secondary cell wall formation and pollen wall development.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJun 23, 2016

Where males sense females in plants

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a key kinase receptor in pollen tubes that allows them to detect LURE peptides produced by ovules, guiding fertilization. This finding may lead to improved efficiency of pollen tube growth and increased success rate of fertilization.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

A taxi ride to starch granules

The discovery of Protein Targeting to Starch (PTST) reveals the crucial role of a molecule in transporting Granular Bound Starch Synthase (GBSS) to starch granules, necessary for normal amylose synthesis. The research found that PTST is essential for GBSS stability and function.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 26, 2015

How does evolution work?

Researchers investigate plant molecular structures for climate adaptation, discovering novel pathways subject to natural selection. The project sheds light on convergent evolution and potential applications in ecology and agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·DateFeb 11, 2015

Supercomputing the evolution of a model flower

Researchers used iPlant, Stampede and Lonestar supercomputers to identify genes sensitive to cold and drought in the flowering mustard weed Arabidopsis thaliana. This helps understand plant adaptation to climate change and can be applied to improve crops.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJan 27, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Some plants regenerate by duplicating their DNA

Scientists found that plant genome duplication enables herbaceous plants to regenerate and become more fertile after being damaged. The study showed that increased genome duplication leads to an increase in cell growth and production of key proteins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 11, 2014

Researchers block plant hormone

Scientists identify a molecule that blocks the effect of jasmonic acid, a plant hormone involved in flower formation, root growth and defence against herbivores. The discovery was made using a biological selection process involving intact plants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 19, 2014

First comprehensive library of master genetic switches in plants

The collection contains about 2,000 clones of plant transcription factors, which can be used to improve plant traits such as cold resistance and seed quantity. The researchers hope that the library will help scientists understand how plants adapt to environmental changes and design more robust crops for future food security.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 17, 2014

The plant that only grows when the going's good…

Scientists have identified a new mutant plant that stores excessive amounts of starch, allowing it to maintain its size despite reduced sucrose availability. The NEX1 mutant combines high growth rates with large starch reserves, making it an attractive candidate for crops used as silage and human feed.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 2, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

The JBEI GT Collection: A new resource for advanced biofuels research

Researchers at JBEI have created the first glycosyltransferase clone collection, targeting plant cell wall biosynthesis and enabling modification of biomass for fuel yields. The collection, led by Joshua Heazlewood, provides a functional genomic framework for studying GTs and their role in plant biology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJun 23, 2014

With climate changing, southern plants outperform northern

A study shows that strains from Southern Europe can grow better in Northern Europe than established local varieties due to rapid climate change. This suggests that the adaptive optimum has moved quickly, with southern imports performing better across different locations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The secret of short stems

Researchers found that plants with semi-dwarfism in wild Arabidopsis species have a mutated GA20ox1 allele, similar to those in rice and barley varieties bred for high yields. The mutation alters the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway, but other genes compensate for its effects.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2013

Model plant misled scientists about multicellular growth

A study by the University of Leeds found that Arabidopsis thaliana lacks a crucial protein called SMG1, which is essential for animal multicellular growth. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about plant genetics and highlights the importance of studying multiple models to avoid extrapolating from a single example.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 22, 2013

Outside influence: Genes outside nucleus have disproportionate effect

A study using Arabidopsis model found that 80% of metabolites were directly affected by organellar genes, which regulate energy production and sugar synthesis in cells. The discovery may have implications for future treatments for inherited diseases in humans, including in vitro fertilization therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 11, 2013

Does your salad know what time it is?

Scientists found they could use light to coax postharvest vegetables to produce more cancer-fighting antioxidants at certain times of day. This study suggests that storing fruits and vegetables in dark conditions may reduce their ability to keep daily rhythms.

SourceRice University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 20, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The science of spring flowers -- how petals get their shape

Researchers found a hidden polarity map within growing buds that directs cell growth, resulting in the unique shapes of rose petals and leaves. The system provides flexibility for organs to adapt to their environment and develop different functions.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 2013

Defying the laws of Mendelian inheritance

Researchers found that Arabidopsis thaliana plants exhibit genetic traits from older generations, contradicting Mendelian inheritance. New experiments support these findings, providing evidence for novel DNA-based genetic phenomena and implications for plant biology and agriculture.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalF1000Research·DateFeb 4, 2013

Boosting galactan sugars could boost biofuel production

Researchers at JBEI identified the first enzyme capable of boosting galactan in plant cell walls, increasing the amount of sugars that can be fermented into fuels. This discovery provides an important new tool for engineering advanced bioenergy fuel crops.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateDec 21, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Plants adapt their defenses to the local pest community

Researchers found that plants in different regions produce distinct chemical defenses against aphids, which are influenced by local pest populations. This variation is driven by the need for optimal defense against specific aphid species, highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in plant evolution.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

Insects shape the genetic landscape through plant defenses

A new study reveals that insects feeding on plants drive genetic variation in their host species across large geographic areas. The researchers found that two aphid species exert pressure on plants to create diverse chemical defenses, leading to changes in the genetic makeup of plant populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2012

Turning off small RNA

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have created a method to disable small RNAs, which are crucial for our genetic makeup and can affect plant growth. By using this technique, scientists can study the function of any small RNA in cells.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMar 1, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

MU researchers identify key plant immune response in fight against bacteria

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a protein called Enhanced Disease Susceptibility 1 (EDS1) that plays a crucial role in a plant's defense against bacterial pathogens. This finding could lead to improved disease resistance in food crops such as soybeans, ultimately enhancing global food security.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2011

Progress towards developing plants that accommodate climate change

Researchers discovered that a small number of genes control adaptability to different climates in the mustard plant Arabidopsis. By combining various sets of climate genes, scientists may be able to create strains that can thrive in multiple types of climates, helping plants accommodate climate change.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2011
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Little plant tells big stories

A study published in Nature has decoded the genetic variation of Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant used in research. By analyzing 19 strains of this plant, scientists have gained insight into its ability to adapt to different environments and climates.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Largest-ever map of interactions of plant proteins produced

The largest-ever map of plant protein interactions has been created, covering 6,205 interactions involving 2,774 individual proteins in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The new network map provides insights into protein functions and compositions, and may help advance efforts to improve crop plants.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2011